Rotating Patient Support Structure for Low-Height Radiotherapy Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient positioning apparatuses for medical devices, particularly in radiotherapy, are bulky and difficult to maneuver due to the need for large separations and heavy load-bearing mechanisms, which hinder patient access and linear adjustment, and require large, cumbersome structures.

Innovation Solution

A patient positioning apparatus with a rotation mechanism attached to and supported by a support structure, allowing for reduced hop-on height and improved tilting capabilities, facilitated linear movement, and reduced mechanical wear by distributing weight to the support structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large separation between base plate and patient support surface is used to enable large tilt angles, then tilting capability is improved, but device size and hop-on height increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilting capabilityVSAvoiddevice height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the rotation mechanism between the base plate and patient support surface (which requires large separation for tilting), the patent inverts the arrangement by attaching the rotation mechanism to the support structure below the base plate. This allows the patient support surface to tilt with minimal separation between base plate and support surface, reducing device height while maintaining tilting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the rotation mechanism from a vertical arrangement (between base plate and support surface) to a horizontal arrangement (attached to support structure below base plate). This dimensional change allows tilting to occur without increasing vertical separation, effectively resolving the contradiction between tilting capability and device height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a tilting mechanism is positioned between patient support surface and base plate, then tilting is enabled, but linear adjustment becomes difficult due to heavy load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilting functionVSAvoidlinear adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the functions by separating the tilting mechanism from the linear adjustment system. The rotation mechanism is attached to the support structure below the base plate, while the patient support surface can be independently adjusted linearly relative to the base plate. This segmentation allows linear adjustment without moving the heavy tilting mechanism, improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the rotation mechanism from the patient support apparatus and attaches it to the support structure instead. This extraction removes the heavy load from the linear adjustment system, allowing easier linear adjustment of the patient support surface without having to move the entire tilting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If rotation mechanism is attached to patient support apparatus, then tilting is achieved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilting functionVSAvoidsupport apparatus weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the rotation mechanism from the patient support apparatus and reattaches it to the support structure. This extraction removes the heavy rotation mechanism from the moving patient support apparatus, reducing its weight and size while maintaining the tilting function through the support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design reduces the size and weight of the patient support apparatus, enhances tilting range, simplifies maintenance, and facilitates linear movement, resulting in a more compact and efficient positioning system.

Implementation Method 1

a motion converter which extends through the aperture and is eccentrically mounted with respect to the axle such that rotation of the motion converter about the axle causes linear movement of the drive member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4117530B1Rotatable patient positioning apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 ELEKTA AB

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Figure 3a

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a patient positioning apparatus for a medical device. The apparatus comprises a patient support apparatus, a support structure configured to extend between the patient support apparatus and a floor of a treatment room to support the patient support apparatus above the floor of the treatment room. The patient support apparatus is rotationally coupled to the support structure. The patient positioning apparatus comprises a rotation mechanism comprising a drive member and is configured to impart a force, via the drive member, to an underside of the patient support apparatus to thereby rotate the patient support apparatus with respect to the support structure. The rotation mechanism is attached to, and supported by, the support structure.